How to Split Ashes after Cremation

As a Biddeford, ME cremation service, we know there are plenty of things to do with cremated remains, and we tell families all the time. 

This creates preferences among family members, each with their own ideas of how best to handle the cremains. That’s why we recommend dividing the ashes, as long as the deceased’s religious belief says it’s okay. 

Here’s how to go about it. 

Ask the funeral or crematorium director to do it 

Whatever informs the need to divide the ashes, it is necessary to be fair to everyone. Hence, particularly in cases where there’s been a dispute, it is best to have a neutral party do it. 

None is more qualified for this than the funeral home or crematorium director. They have the experience of managing family members and understand the emotional weight of the process. 

As a result, they are more likely to divide the ashes without any implicit bias. 

It doesn’t matter if you’ve had the remains for a while too. Whenever you are ready, you can return to the cremation service provider. 

Although some might charge for the process, most will do it for free. 

Ask a Friend to divide the ashes 

Some people would rather have a close family friend divide their loved one’s ashes. That’s understandable. 

Identify the friend and meet with other family members to agree on the sharing formula. Then pass the agreement along to the friend and the necessary materials for the process. 

These include plastic gloves, ziplock bags, a funnel, and a newspaper to collect spilled ashes. If the formula involves an equal division of the ashes, you should also provide a kitchen scale. 

How to Divide the Ashes Yourself 

A family difference isn’t the only reason to divide ashes. Even when individuals have sole control over the ashes, they might want more than one memorial. Splitting the ashes helps achieve that. 

Plus, your loved one might request you do it yourself, even if you are dividing among family. Carrying this out is another way to honor their memory. 

Whatever the reason, here’s how to divide cremated ashes yourself — 

1. Create a clean flat area and prepare a few plastic bags for the transfer. You can do this with a disposable table cloth or newspaper and Ziploc bags 
   
2. Remove the ashes out of the temporary urn, then open and place it on the created area 
   
3. Use a plastic scoop (garden space/measuring cup) or carefully pour the ashes into the prepared plastic bags 
   
4. Use your judgment or weigh each bag to ensure they are even. Transfer ashes that fall onto the flat area into whatever bag needs topping. 
   
5. Seal each plastic bag and double bag to be safe. Then place each in a sealable container. 

You must keep the split ashes in a sealable container. This will protect them from accidental spills during transport and preserve them long-term. 

These are all the right ways to split a loved one’s ashes after cremation. We are at your disposal if you have additional questions or need a cremation service in Biddeford, ME, to help. Call us now or visit us here.